The Correlation Between Physical and Mental Health
It is important to note that staying healthy is an integral component of many individuals’ lives. The necessity for health advice is evident everywhere; however, most of this information focuses on the body (Hillside, 2019). Nonetheless, over the years, society has continually evolved to incorporate new issues. We have discerned that physical and mental health are closely associated. Individuals will suffer if their physical or mental health is out of sync.
Firstly, there is a positive correlation between depression and an individual’s immune system. The illness not only influences one’s motivation and mood but can overwhelm T-cell responses to bacteria and viruses, an issue that could make one remain sick for longer (Hillside, 2019). An individual with a weak system could also gain various illnesses, such as asthma or allergies. Some researchers have also posited that the immune response could result in depression. In such an instance, an inflammatory reaction may lead to depression.
Furthermore, fatigue and mental illness may present owing to anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. An individual would feel exhausted and tired based of these issues (Hillside, 2019). Additionally, anxiety, anger, and heart health are related to mental health. Anxiety, stress, and angry outbursts may result in heart problems such as heart attacks. It is important to lower anxiety levels to alleviate feelings of fatigue despite being subtly connected.
The Connection Between Depression and Physical Issues
Depression is commonly associated with various symptoms, such as guilt, sadness, hopelessness, and irritability. Other common symptoms of depression include concentrating on tasks or trouble focusing. Depression could also result in stomach issues, pain, restlessness, and fatigue (Hillside, 2019). It is also essential to consider the potential for depression treatments as such medication may have physical side effects such as sexual dysfunction, weight change, and nausea.
An individual may experience pain, exhibiting pains and aches that affect their limbs, back, or joints. Some individuals develop debilitating and chronic body pain, which may lead to depression, though the cause and effects may be inverse in nature (Hillside, 2019). Some individuals believe that depression results in people experiencing pain differently as a person may have a lower pain tolerance and low pain threshold when compared to their compatriots that are not depressed. Depression is also associated with other issues, such as lower back pain and chronic inflammation.
It is also essential to consider that individuals with depression have consistent gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. One possible reason such issues develop is due to a neurotransmitter in the brain known as serotonin (Hillside, 2019). This brain chemical is connected to depression as it is believed to aid in regulating mood. Serotonin also plays a significant role in regulating digestive function. It is frequently stored in the gut and has various implications for depression.
References
Hillside. (2019). The Link Between Physical and Mental Health. Hillside Atlanta. Web.